How to Sell a Car Privately in Quebec

The Quebec bill of sale

A bill of sale is not mandatory in Quebec, but it's a useful record of the sale price, vehicle details, and both parties' signatures alongside the SAAQ transfer.

• VIN, year, make, and model
• Sale price and date
• Odometer reading
• Both parties' names, addresses, and signatures

Create your free Quebec bill of sale

Seller checklist (Quebec)

• Check SAAQclic eligibility for online transfer. Online transfers through SAAQclic are available if the vehicle has a single registered owner and the seller has no unpaid fines. Some vehicle types and edge cases still require an in-person transfer — check SAAQ's fact sheet for current eligibility rules before scheduling.
• Prepare the bill of sale and vehicle details. Include the VIN, year/make/model, sale price, date, odometer reading, and both parties' names, addresses, and signatures. The price drives the QST calculation at transfer, so keep it accurate.
• Bring required identification for in-person transfers. At a service outlet, both buyer and seller must show a driver's licence or another official photo ID document. The buyer also needs to provide the odometer reading at the counter.
• Complete the transfer promptly and cancel insurance. Until the SAAQ transfer is completed, the seller may remain responsible for the vehicle — finish the transfer the same day if possible. Once done, contact your insurer to cancel or transfer the policy.

Buyer steps after the sale

• Arrange valid insurance before taking delivery of the vehicle.
• Provide the vehicle's odometer reading at the service outlet or during the SAAQclic process.
• Accept or complete the transfer within any time limit stated by SAAQ — check the SAAQ guide for online transfers for current timelines.
• For vehicles 14 years old or less (rule effective January 2025), QST is collected on the greater of the agreed selling price or the estimated value — the number on the bill of sale should match what you declare.
• Bring a driver's licence or another official photo ID if completing the transfer at a SAAQ service outlet.

Additional notes

• SAAQ advises that until the transfer is completed, the seller may remain responsible for the vehicle — including tickets and accidents. Both parties have an interest in finishing promptly.
• For vehicles 14 years old or less (rule effective January 2025), QST is calculated on the greater of selling price or SAAQ's estimated value — so a bill of sale that understates the price won't reduce tax, but it will create a paperwork mismatch.
• SAAQclic eligibility is narrower than most buyers expect — if the vehicle is co-owned or the seller has unpaid fines, the transfer has to be in person. Check SAAQ's current eligibility rules before scheduling.
• Payment safety: agree on a payment method before meeting — a certified cheque or an e-Transfer confirmed as received (not just sent) reduces the risk of a bounced or reversed payment.

Frequently asked questions

Official sources

• SAAQ — Transferring a vehicle between individuals